Christmas

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!! We did. My mom flew in on Christmas Eve and the kids have been having a great time with her. On Christmas morning the kids were up way too early and got WAY TOO MUCH stuff!! They were very happy and crazy! We opened presents, ate way too much, played with new toys, watched movies and just generally had a fun day.

Now for the rest of the school break, we are planning on just having a relaxing visit with Grandma. We will go do some "touring" of Italy and play around a lot. Nothing too pressing. Brendan and I do have a few cub scout things to work on--he needs to do a science project and we are also going to the woodshop next week to make his pinewood derby car. Should be fun.

Well, I guess I don't really have much to say--just wanted to say we had a good Christmas and I'll write again soon.

Driving a Demo

I finally got the demo XC90 from the dealer. Mine was "promised" by today and it's not here (I knew months ago it wouldn't be) so he gave me one to drive until it comes in. I'm so happy not to be driving a Fiat Panda with 4 kids crammed in it anymore!!!!!! I did find out the delivery date for my vehicle is 4 or 5 January. It will be in Vicenza on the 3rd, but won't be ready for me to pick up for a day to a day and a half. (They have inspections and stuff they have to do on it first) So I will get it in about 2 more weeks!! YAY!!! I can't wait!!!

Italian Snow!!!!!!!!!!!

We got up this morning and discovered that there was a bit of snow last night. We got no snow at all last year and if you know my kids--that was not acceptable. Yes, I know when you look at these pictures, you will laugh at the amount of snow there was, but for children with snow withdrawls, it was enough:)

Italy is Insane!!!!!!!!!

This week we have been dealing with a truckers' strike. All truckers in the country went on strike for 5 days (Monday-Friday) this week. The biggest effect that it had on us was gas for the cars. When gas isn't delivered to gas stations, they run out!!!!! We were lucky and found a station with gas and were able to fill our tank, but some people were not so lucky and are basically stranded. I was also already stocked on what I needed from the grocery store, but I have been told that there are no eggs to be found and that milk and bread are scarce--basically anything fresh is hit or miss. I was also talking to someone who was driving on the autostrada a couple of days ago and said that there are trucks stopped all over and that the drivers' have tents set up and are having picnic lunches and whatnot. Crazy!! In Naples they had to close the schools and everything because driving is pretty much not possible because of all the roads being blocked by the trucks. What an experience!

An update: the strike is apparently over--it only went 3 days instead of 5 because they crippled the country (imagine that). So things are getting back to normal, but it will still take a while for everything to be restocked.

Short Post

My friend Cheri here in Italy shared her blog with me Keeping Up With HIS Plans and one of the things she had on her sidebar really spoke to me. She has a tribute to our Fallen Warriors. I was really touched by that and have decided to add it to mine as well. Unfortunately, it is a long list and I hope to not have to add to it. Please continue to pray for the families of these soldiers as well as all of our soldiers in harms' way. We must never forget the sacrifices made by them all.

Christmas Party

We went to the FRG Christmas Party today. The kids had a great time. The ate a lot of food, broke a couple of pinatas, sat on Santa's lap, and made some crafts. It was a great kid party.



Here are some pictures of the kids with Santa.

Can't believe it's been a month!!!!

Well, lets' see where should I start????

Halloween: The older 2 went trick or treating with some friends. They got WAY TOO MUCH candy, but had a great time!! The 2 little ones stayed home with me--I bought Meghan her own bag of candy, let her watch Halloween movies all night, and wear her costume all day. She was disappointed, but was fine. If you remember I had said they little ones had chicken pox--well it turns out it wasn't!!! I have no idea what it was, but it looked like chicken pox for the first 2 days, but never crusted over--they never had fevers--and it was gone in 3 days. So no chicken pox. Oh well.
Dillan the race car driverMeghan the mermaid
Katie the duck

I don't have a picture of Brendan right now, but I will try to update later....

Choir: Brendan is still in choir after school which seems to be almost daily. He really enjoys it (surprise to me) and they are putting on a big show for Christmas in a couple of weeks. Brendan is playing Rudolph and is all excited cuz he gets to wear a leather jacket and shades:)

Scouts: Brendan is still enjoying this as well--He just completed a Bowl-A-Thon a couple of weeks ago and has Caroling coming up soon in addition to all the Badges he is working on. Kathryn is in scouts also and she has been having a great time earning badges and she is gearing up for Caroling as well. The Boys and Girls do it together here and then have hot cocoa and cookies together afterwards--it's nice.

We hosted some friends of ours for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time!!! Our friends have a girl in Brendan's class (they insist they hate each other, but always play so nicely) A boy a year younger than Katie, and a boy in Meghan's class (who Meghan insists she is going to marry--of course he says the same thing) and they all love Dillan--so the 7 of them played together all day, their mom and I chatted, and we ate WAY TOO MUCH!!! It was a very nice day!

We did another 5K and Brendan improved his time again. This time he did it in 29:41. I'm so proud that he loves to do these. This one was actually competitive and he took 2nd for his age group. The boy who took first is the same one who beat him in the triathlon this summer--he's really good and a year older! They actually usually run part of the races together. The girls will tell you they also got 1st and 2nd in their age group--of course they were the only 2. And we got a trophy for being a family of 3 (didn't count Brendan or Dillan in the stroller)--again, we were the only family of 3. Anyway, we ended up with 4 BIG trophies!!! The next 5K here is on the 15th of Dec. But I think we are going to skip that one--they are starting at 6AM--I don't know what is wrong with them, it will be cold, pitch black dark, and we would have to be there no later than 5:30AM to get numbers--I don't think I'm doing that with my little ones--Brendan even agreed. Although if the boy who beat him is going, I might see if just Brendan can ride with him. We shall see.

Katie was in a Thanksgiving program for school--her immersion class invited the kids from the Italian school to come and share cupcakes and a program for Thanksgiving. It was nice to share the American culture with the Italians for a change. Katie actually had a speaking part. She thanked the Italians for coming and asked them to visit again soon--in Italian. I was pretty proud of her and she looked awfully cute as a pilgrim.

Katie lost a front tooth last night so here is her new mouth!!!

Brendan is going to be starting basketball and Katie is going to do cheerleading starting in a couple of weeks. I was really looking forward to an "off season", but they begged me so....

And the final thing I have to report is that we may have something constructive for Meghan's singing!!! When I dropped her off at school the other day, one of the ladies that works at the desk said, " Meghan is the one who sings right?" (understatement of the year) She said she is the vocal teacher for the youth services programs here. The beginning age for voice is 6 and the minimum age for the theatre is 8, but she said after watching Meghan "act" and hearing her sing, she doesn't want to wait that long for her so she was going to ask her boss to make an exception and see if she could give her voice lessons. Meghan really would love it so I hope it happens. We shall see...

Well, now that this has become a book I better go--we actually have a Christmas party for our FRG today so we need to get be getting ready to see Santa!!!

I'll try to do better about updating from now on--sorry about that. Have a great day!!!

The Chaos Continues!!!

Well, Saturday we had our Halloween party for the kids. It was wild and we all had a good time. On Sunday, I took the 3 older kids to CCD as usual and walked down to the PX with Dillan. We met some friends of ours on the way in who immediately said,"What happened to him? Does he have chicken pox?" I said huh? and looked at Dillan's face which was covered in red spots--kinda looked like bites, but certainly didn't look like that when we left the house. We continued on cuz we weren't sure and I saw another friend (yep small post) and asked what she thought and she agreed with me--maybe. So when it was time to pick up the big ones I took him into Meghan's CCD teacher (she's a doctor) and said "Is this chicken pox?" I got a "Yep, I think so!" Then as we were leaving--trying to rush everyone out so we don't expose the world any more than we already have--I looked at Meghan and her face is covered in red dots--so I grab the teacher/dr. again and asked "her too?" and she said "Yep, and she didn't look like that 5 minutes ago, cuz I just washed her face!"

So, we are now at home for the week!!! They both feel fine--Dillan has a slight fever today--they are a little itchy, not bad. And believe it or not the pox are confined to their faces for the most part--Dillan has quite a few on his wrists and hands, Meghan has a couple on her arms. None on their tummies or backs which I find strange, but whatever. I guess they just have light cases.

Anyway, on other subjects. The guy is coming to pick up my car tomorrow so we will be driving Shane's car until 21 Dec. ICK!!

The older two kids will be going Trick or Treating with some friends since I can't take them--gotta figure out something special for Meghan at home since she can't go :( So sad! I'll still dress them up of course and take pictures--pox and all:)

All we have left of soccer is the final games on Saturday--all three kids play at the same time!! That should be fun! I'll have to see if I can even take Dillan and Meghan out yet--have to wait and see how quickly they heal.

I guess that's enough rambling. Until later.

LOTS of Pictures!!!!

Meghan and Dillan are so silly!!

Yeah, I'm cute!!

Meghan's first day of PreKindergarten wearing her FAVORITE dress. At home with her backpack, in front of her cubbie, and her first activity--looking at shells with a magnifying glass. She is having so much fun at school this year--comes home daily singing new songs and learns a new letter each week. Very exciting!

I can't believe Katie is 7!!!! Here is her Volcano Cake--yes it really erupted!! She loved it!
Yay!!! New rollerblades!! Thanks Mom!
A new purse and ducks from Daddy--can't beat that!
We built a salt dough volcano--and of course it erupted too. Volcano birthdays are so fun!

Brendan anxious to play on his team Lightning.

Katie's soccer team. The Red Dragons.

Meghan all ready to play on the Green Dragons (so original huh?? I think 1/2 the teams are the dragons)

As for what else is going on around here--We have been really busy with soccer, Brownies, and Webelos. Brendan is also in the choir at school so they are having practices for their Christmas show. Only 2 weeks left of soccer. I love watching the kids play and they have so much fun, but we are all getting really tired of running around daily so it will be a nice break when it's over.

We are going to have a Halloween party next weekend so we are also working on all the prep for that--getting costumes made, snacks, games,decorations--all that stuff. It should be a lot of fun. Well, on that note, I better get off of here and go get some things done.

Quick post

It has been awhile since I've written. We have been incredibly busy. I only have a couple of minutes, but thought I would type a bit quick and let everyone know we are alive and kickin'. Meghan started the PreK here--she goes every day from 9-2 and she is LOVIN' IT!!! She has been very well behaved--there anyway--and she is learning quite a bit already. She was sharing at the dinner table last night that she "learned about 'T'--it says t-t-t-t-t and starts tomato!!!" She was really excited. Her best buddy Tyler will be joining her class on Monday and boy are the 2 of them happy! Now if we can get her to remember that school is for learning and not hugging the boys:)

All 3 big ones are playing soccer so we are on the field M-F. They are all doing really well and having a great time. We will also be doing our next 5K on Saturday--my kids really have fun with those.

And lastly for today--I sold my car. The guy who is buying it is in Naples so I'm not exactly sure when he will come to pick it up--he wanted to this weekend, but I don't have all the legal stuff worked out yet so it will have to wait a bit. I'm just happy to have sold it--one less thing to worry about. Can't wait for the truck to get here!!! (Yes, I'll be driving Shane's hooptie until then)

Well, I'm off to pick up Meghan from school so that's it for today.

Finally Did It!!!

I went this morning and ordered my new Volvo XC90!!!! We have an estimated delivery date of 21 Dec. YAY!!!!

Here's a picture of what I got--shadow blue metallic with graphite interior.

I can't wait for it to get here!!!

The chaos has begun!!

We have done the first 2 weeks of school and the 1st week of soccer. Our chaotic lives have officially returned!!
Katie is loving 1st grade, but she is also finding out what it's like to have homework everyday and she's not too sure about that!
Brendan is being reminded of what it's like to have a strict teacher. He has had some rough patches, but I think in the end it will be a really good year. He and the teacher just have to figure each other out. Fourth grade is a year of really learning a lot of responsibility--and he definitely struggles with that so....
Soccer schedules are crazy of course!! Meghan, Katie and Brendan are all playing--on 3 different teams--but they all love the sport and do well so... M-Brendan and Katie practice, T- Meghan practice, W- Brendan practice/Meghan games, TH- Katie games, F- Brendan games, and all 3 of them have an occasional Saturday game. It's only for 2 months--and truly I love watching them play so it should be fun.

We are doing another 5K Family Fun Walk/ Run in the morning. Obviously, Meghan, Dillan and I are walking, Brendan is running, and Katie wants to run this time too--we shall see. It will be a good time no matter what. I'll let you know how we do when it's over.

First Day of School!!!

This picture was actually yesterday--Dillan eating pancakes. He was just so cute and he was still sleeping when we went to the bus stop so there weren't any of him to include.









Here is Brendan actually looking happy--he was really crabby this morning--"I hate school, I don't want to go" He will survive.












Here is Katie--she was miss "Why do we have to have summer vacation, Is it time to go yet?? How about now?? "












Here are my 3 big ones playing around--Meghan doesn't start PreK until 1 Oct. but she was ready to go today.









And finally, on the bus--the driver told them turn around and look at your Mama--as you can see he and the monitor got in on the posing too:) Have a great day kids!!!

WOW we have been busy!!!

We had a Back to School Party with our Catholic Women of the Chapel group. It's a small group, but was even smaller due to some bad weather. We started off with decent weather--a few sprinkles and the kids ran relays, played on the playground and just ran around with their friends. The pictures are of the relays. Then it started just absolutely pouring!!!!!!!!!!!! The kids continued to play--got soaked and muddy and had a wonderful time!!! (no pictures of that though--sorry)


Our next news was having a new nephew!!! Baby Grant was born on Friday night!! We are so excited!!! My kids are finally not the only ones! They have a cousin and we have someone else's baby to spoil!

On Saturday, Brendan ran his first Triathlon! He ran 1/2 mile, biked 2 miles, and then swam 75 meters. His time was 19:33. He finished 4th for his age group and 6th overall. We had a technicality and if it wasn't for his mother he would have finished 3rd.--He was really hurting on the biking portion so I insisted upon him wearing a life belt for the swim portion. I wanted to make sure he could finish. Any way, he wore the belt for the 1st 2 laps, on the third he took it off and tossed it up on the side of the pool. Had he not worn the belt, he would have been quicker. The other problem with it was that they were adjusting times for the kids who wore the belts by 10 seconds to account for the time putting it on and the slowing up in the pool--well since Brendan took his off 1/2 way through they didn't realize he wore one when he got out of the pool for the official time so he was not credited--the 3rd place winner didn't wear a belt and finished 9 seconds ahead of Brendan--so if he would have gotten that credit he would have placed 3rd. Oh well, whatever, he did his best--had a great time and can't wait to do another one next summer!!!

Stretching before the race and resting with the 3rd place winner after the race.

Following the Triathlon there was a Back to School BBQ on post. We socialized with everyone!! It's a small post. Then we had hotdogs, the kids got their faces painted, Brendan played in a Dodge ball tournament and they did other various games. It was fun, but following the race, it made for a really long day!

Today, we are just relaxing--we might go to the pool--and not doing much of anything. School starts tomorrow so we are going to enjoy our last day of summer and get to bed early. We really have had a good summer, but we are ready to get back into our routine. We've got one week to adjust to school and then Soccer starts!!! OH JOY!!!!--seriously, I love watching the kids play and they have a great time, but with 3 kids on 3 different teams--it's a bit on the chaotic side. Oh well, just like my blog is titled--Happy Chaos right??!